Two Iranian soldiers killed in Israeli airstrikes as tensions mount

Two Iranian soldiers were killed in an Israeli airstrike early Saturday morning, according to a statement released by the Iranian army.

The attack is the latest in a series of escalating military confrontations between Israel and Iran.

“The army of the Islamic Republic of Iran lost two of its fighters during the night when they faced projectiles from the criminal Zionist regime in defense of its territory,” the statement said.

Israeli airstrike targets Iranian military sites

The Iranian army reported that the strike targeted several military positions in the country, though it did not specify the exact locations. This is part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has intensified in recent months due to growing tensions over regional security and military actions.

UK PM says Iran should not respond to Israeli strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Iran should not respond after Israel on Saturday launched strikes against the former in retaliation for a missile barrage.

Israeli planes struck military bases, missile sites and other systems in several regions. Iran said two soldiers died in the attacks.

The Israeli military said it intercepted two drones crossing into Israel from Lebanon on Saturday, hours after it attacked Iran.

“On the question of the strikes, I think we need to be really clear that Israel does have the right to defend itself, but we are urging, and have been urging all sides to show restraint, and that is why I am very clear today, Iran should not be responding to this,” Starmer said in Samoa, where he is attending a Commonwealth summit.

“We will continue to work with allies to de-escalate the situation across the region,” Starmer said.

“And those are really important messages of de-escalation that at this moment in time, I think it is very important everybody needs to heed,” the British premier concluded.